Justice Isn't On Orrville's Side

It's always interesting hearing the pregame hype during the high school football playoffs.

Fans bring up the strength of schedule, individual performers, points scored and the programs' histories when predicting the outcome of a game.

That's been the case this week as top-ranked Poland Seminary (13-0) and third-ranked Orrville (11-2) prepare for their Div. III state semifinal showdown at Canton's Fawcett Stadium Friday night.

The two teams have never met on the gridiron. In fact, the only note worthy meeting between the two schools was in the Div. II boys regional semifinal basketball game, which Orrville won en route to their second consecutive state title.

So which team has the edge heading into Friday night?

Logically, Poland, the Div. III AP Poll champion, and only undefeated team remaining the division has to be the favorite.

How big of a favorite?

"These are two very good football teams," said Rayland Buckeye football coach Carl Justice, whose team had the dubious honor of losing to both teams this season. "It's a pick 'em game.

"Both are just good football teams and it should be a great game."

Justice faced both teams on the road this season and suffered lopsided defeats on both occasions.

Orrville hammered Buckeye 49-9 in Week 8 of the regular season and then was dumped by Poland 51-0 in the opening round of the playoffs.

He's seen enough to know both teams are capable of winning the state title, but gave the slight nod to Poland, which ended his team's season.

Justice feels Poland has a more balanced package and does the two things it takes to win at this stage of the game: run the football and keep teams off the board.

While Justice feels both teams are capable of winning the state title, he gave the slight nod to Poland with some reservation.

"I would pick Poland, but I wouldn't be surprised if Orrville wins," he said. "Orrville is a very good team and their quarterback (Justin Zwick) and receivers give them the ability to score in a hurry. But Poland has a great running back (Pete Perry). He's the best we've seen this year.

"Poland's defense has given up what, something like 40 points during the season. They have the better defense between the two teams. We moved the ball on Orrville, but we couldn't do anything against Poland. Their defense keeps them in games."

Perry, a Div. I prospect as a junior, is the focal point of Poland's offense. He has rushed for over 2,000 yards and 14 TDs and scored on an 85-yard screen pass last week which gave Poland the lead for good in its 23-21 come-from-behind win over Steubenville. The defense has tossed six shutouts and is allowing just 5.2 points a game.

Zwick, who has thrown for over 4,000 yards and 45 TDs in his first two seasons, led Orrville to a 24-17 come-from-behind win in overtime over Copley last week. It was his touchdown passes in the final minutes of regulation and overtime that ultimately proved to be the difference.

"Zwick is good, but I just think Poland has a better supporting cast," Justice said. "I would give Orrville the edge in overall team speed, but they have to throw the ball to utilize their speed. Poland, they just take two steps and hand off to their threat.

"Poland is also big. They have 20 guys who weigh over 200 pounds. Orrville has some big guys, but Poland is big and quick."

Justice feels both teams need their key players to have big games, but feels the outcome will be decided by the team that can overcome the emotions and execute the entire time.

"It's going to take four quarters to win this one," Justice said. "Both are quality teams. If Zwick is hot, he can easily keep Orrville in the game. Perry, he's exceptional. All he needs is a crack.

"In a game like this, special teams and field position are crucial. You have to win that battle and limit turnovers."

The key for both teams is simple, according to Justice.

"Poland can't make mistakes and turn the ball over and Orrville must create some breaks and capitalize," Justice. "If I had to pick the game, I'd take Poland.

"Poland is a very good football team. We couldn't shut them down all night. I think if they don't make mistakes, Orrville is going to have a tough time."